PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo Advocates for Increased Female Representation in Senior Energy Sector Leadership Roles

President Festus Osifo calls for women to lead innovation and decision-making in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry at the 2026 PENGASSAN Women Convention.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 6:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Leadership News

Promoting Gender Parity in High Level Energy Decisions

Festus Osifo, the President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, has formally urged women to take a more dominant role in leading the oil and gas industry. Speaking at a convention in Abuja, Osifo emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s energy sector depends on women moving beyond mere participation to becoming innovators and key decision-makers. He argued that the ability to inspire progress and promote equality is essential for the evolution of the labor union and the broader national economy.

Eliminating Institutional Barriers and Workplace Discrimination

A significant portion of the union’s current agenda involves the removal of systemic hurdles that prevent women from reaching executive positions. Osifo called for an industry-wide effort to eliminate workplace discrimination, noting that true influence is not derived solely from job titles but from the ability to drive meaningful change. The association is advocating for structured capacity-building initiatives designed to equip female professionals with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the petroleum sector.

Mentorship as a Foundation for Lasting Industry Legacies

The leadership of PENGASSAN has redefined the concept of professional legacy, shifting the focus from immediate achievements to the long-term impact of mentorship. Osifo stated that a leader’s value is best measured by the opportunities they create for future generations through the sharing of knowledge and professional guidance. By prioritizing mentorship today, the union aims to create a sustainable pipeline of female talent capable of sustaining advocacy for national development and industry growth.